Image guided neuroendoscopy for third ventriculostomy

Third ventriculostomy has become an increasing popular procedure for the tr eatment of hydrocephalus of different aetiologies. Between october 1997 and october 1998, 17 patients (12 females, 5 males; 12-82 year-old; mean age 4 3) underwent image-assisted endoscopic third ventriculostomy for hydrocepha lus at the Istituto Nazionale Neurologico "C.Besta" of Milano. There was no mortality and no long term morbidity. Neuronavigation has been found usefu l in selecting the safest trajectory to the target avoiding any traction on the foramen of Monro related structures and allowing the necessary mobilit y for fine adjustments under visual and "tactile" control when choosing the safest point to perform the stoma. According to our experience neuro-endoscopy and neuro-navigation seems to b e complementary in reaching easy, safe and successful results in the treatm ent of hydrocephalus of different origins.